In what was one of the most dominating performances in UCF history, the Knights ran SMU off the court in a 95-48 beatdown in Orlando. This was a must-win game for UCF as they are still on the bubble of making the NCAA Tournament despite losing to Cincinnati on Thursday. A 47 point victory against a solid SMU team is a good way to bounce back. This is the same SMU team who beat Georgetown on the road.

Highlights

Three in the Key

1. Knight of the Night

Tacko Fall had the best performance of his career with 23 points and 20 rebounds. The 20 rebounds were a career-high for the 7’6” senior. His double-double came in just 26 minutes played. This might have been the most aggressive we’ve seen him play to date. If he continues to play like this, there’s no team in the country UCF couldn’t compete with.

2. Sixth Man of the Game

Chad Brown also had a double-double off of the bench with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He has consistently performed when called upon which is huge for this team. Tacko playing more than 30 minutes is a rarity which makes Chad so valuable. He showed what he’s capable of in this game.

3. By the Numbers

The big number tonight was 57 which is how many total rebounds UCF had. They were two shy of the record which was 59 set against Nicholls in 2016. Collin Smith, Chad Brown and Tacko combined for 41 of those which is exactly what Johnny Dawkins wanted to see out of his big men. UCF absolutely man-handled the Mustangs down low.

Who’s Got Next?

UCF heads to Tampa this Wednesday to take on the South Florida Bulls. The game tips off at 7pm and can be caught on ESPN3.

Sitting at 20-6 (10-4), I think UCF has to win at least two of their remaining four to make the tourney. All four games left on their schedule are quadrant one games.